When I went back to Purchase College in 2012, I was incredibly fortunate to take a class with Melissa Febos. Melissa made me sit up and take notice when writing. She helped me hone research writing skills which in turn helped me with this genre.

When she was discussing writing her memoir she said her first draft was just for her. She advised us we couldn't worry about who it would affect, who it would hurt, what the repercussions of the story might be.

She advised us to put the "mom goggles" away until the second draft.

On THAT draft, you go through it and edit with the goggles on. Will this story horrify my mother? Will this part of the memoir hurt more than it will help? Is it necessary to have this detail in order to tell the story or is it filler that can be eliminated?

By the third draft, you slash and burn whatever isn't relevant.

Writing is a pretty solitary experience. As a result, when I write, I write for ME. However, I always use Melissa's editing guidance even with something as small as a blog.My name isn't famous. Brené Brown, Glennon Doyle Melton, Cheryl Strayed or Katrina Kenison ~ they are household names. Well, at least to me.

The comments section here remains a cricket field for the most part. The FB comments are pretty quiet although the likes may be higher than usual. My work isn't often shared.

When a post like yesterday's, about being stuck on the hamster wheel of life, strikes a chord, I am humbled. I am reminded that perhaps in my own small way I am making a difference by sharing my everyday observations and experiences.

I am reminded to breathe.

To take a moment.

We are all living life to the best of our abilities. We all have untold stories. We are all on the freaking wheel sometimes.

Stuck.

Waiting for the "right time" to make a change so we can get off the wheel.Together we will live life to it's fullest, trip, fall down, run on the wheel, love, and of course, breathe.

xo

Look around and chose your own groundFor long you live and high you flyAnd smiles you'll give and tears you'll cryAnd all you touch and all you seeIs all your life will ever be